Modular connector and adapter assembly using a removable anchor device

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a device and system of devices including: a connector comprising a housing comprising a groove lengthwise in a surface of the housing and a push-pull tab comprising a protrusion, a widthwise recess on the connector housing accepting protrusions on a removable anchor device that retains the connector in a port, wherein the push-pull tab releases the connector from the port using protrusions on the anchor device and the receiver device comprising one or more ports for receiving one or more connector types; and the receiver device comprising one or more ports without an anchor; said port secures a second connector type comprising a latch release mechanism; and the receiver device ports are opposite one another; wherein the opposite ports can accept a first connector and a second connector; wherein the first connector release mechanism and differs from the second connector release mechanism.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An anchor device for releasably securing a connector in a port of a receptacle, the anchor device comprising:
 a first portion including an outwardly projecting hook engagement member having a receptacle engagement surface positioned to engage the receptacle for securing the anchor device within the port of the receptacle; 
 a second portion formed integrally with the first portion and having at least one outer hook tip and at least one interior hook tip for locking and releasing a connector from the port, the interior hook tip having a different shape than the outer hook tip; 
 the interior hook tip and outer hook tip are interconnected so that the interior hook tip and outer hook tip are movable conjointly with each other relative to the first portion; wherein a movement imparted to the interior hook tip by contact of the connector with the interior hook tip, upon partial insertion of said connector within the port, moves the interior hook tip and interconnected outer hook tip from a first position to a second position; and upon full insertion of connector into the port, the movement on the interior hook tip is removed and the middle and outer hook tips resiliently return to said first position. 
 
     
     
       2. The anchor device of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle engagement member projects in a first direction and the outer hook tip and interior hook tip project a second direction opposite to the first direction. 
     
     
       3. The anchor device of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the anchor includes protrusions and cutouts shaped and arranged to engage with corresponding port surfaces of the receptacle for aligning a connector therein. 
     
     
       4. The anchor device of  claim 1 , further comprising a curved hook radius portion that connects the first portion to the second portion so that the second portion is in opposing, spaced apart relationship with the first portion. 
     
     
       5. The anchor device of  claim 4  wherein the first portion and second portion are constructed and arranged relative to each other so that movement of the outer hook tip and the interior hook tip from the first position to the second position bends the curved hook radius portion. 
     
     
       6. The anchor device of  claim 1  wherein the at least one outer hook tip comprises a pair of outer hook tips located on opposite sides of the interior hook tip from each other. 
     
     
       7. The anchor device of  claim 6  wherein the pair of outer hook tips are movable conjointly with the interior hook tip. 
     
     
       8. The anchor device of  claim 1  wherein the first portion and second portion are formed from one piece of material. 
     
     
       9. The anchor device of  claim 1  wherein the interior hook tip is located closer to the first portion than the outer hook tip. 
     
     
       10. The anchor device of  claim 1  in combination with the receptacle.